Celebrating Women in Science: Meet Tamanna Talukder, Clinical Laboratory Scientist at Avrok

February 11th marks International Women and Girls in Science Day, a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in STEM fields and inspire the next generation of female scientists. At Avrok, we are proud to highlight the brilliant minds driving innovation in translational research and drug discovery.

Today, we introduce Tamanna Talukder, a Clinical Laboratory Scientist and Quality Assurance Manager who has been with Avrok since 2021. With her expertise in laboratory sciences and a passion for advancing high-quality biospecimen research, Tamanna plays a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and reliability of our lab operations. Her dedication to precision and excellence not only upholds Avrok’s commitment to quality but also reinforces the critical role women play in shaping the future of biomedical science. Learn more about Tamanna’s journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and her insights on being a woman in science.

Were you always interested in science?

"Absolutely! I’ve been curious about how things work for as long as I can remember. Even as a kid, I loved asking "why" about everything—why does metal feel colder than wood? Why does hot water clean grease better? I was fascinated by how the world operates on both a visible and invisible level. By high school, I knew I wanted to study molecular biology because I was drawn to the idea of solving biological puzzles, understanding life at its most fundamental level, and making discoveries that could have a real impact.

What do you love about your role with Avrok?

I love that I get to be at the intersection of innovation and real-world application. Every day, I work on challenges that push the boundaries of what we know in molecular biology. It’s exciting to take scientific concepts and turn them into something tangible—something that can improve lives. Plus, being surrounded by a team of passionate, brilliant people makes the work even more rewarding.

What does being a woman in science mean to you, or why do you think having women in science is important?

To me, being a woman in science means representation, perseverance, and progress. Science thrives on diverse perspectives, and having more women in the field means we’re asking different questions, bringing new ideas to the table, and shaping the future of research. It’s not just about gender balance; it’s about making sure that all voices contribute to scientific advancements that impact everyone. I’ve had the privilege of teaching science at a high school in NYC, where I aimed to inspire young students—especially immigrants—to pursue careers in science. If I could do it, so can they! It’s incredibly rewarding to see that spark ignite in them, and now, some of my former students reach out to share how far they’ve come in the field of science!

Is there a message you’d like to give to any women or girls looking to pursue a career in science?

Go for it! Science needs your curiosity, your ideas, and your unique way of thinking. Don’t let self-doubt or societal expectations hold you back—there is a place for you here. Find mentors, ask questions, and never stop exploring. The world needs more problem-solvers, and if science excites you, follow that passion wherever it leads."